Culture Art & Media Sand Painter's Meticulous Process Revealed in Hypnotic Time-Lapses By Catie Leary Writer and Photographer Georgia State University Catie Leary writes and curates visual stories about science, animals, the arts, travel, and the natural world. our editorial process Catie Leary Updated May 31, 2017 Mandalas use colored sand in geometric patterns as a form of spritual meditation and guidance. Joe Mangrum / Facebook Share Twitter Pinterest Email Culture History Travel Sustainable Fashion Art & Media Holidays Community Using colored sand to create geometric mandalas is an ancient practice. Ever since he picked up his first fistful of colored sand in 2006, visual artist Joe Mangrum has captivated people with his vibrant sand paintings. Created spontaneously, Mangrum's intricate hand-poured sand art reflects his fascination with the tensions that occur between the natural and unnatural orders of life. "[We are] a society divided from nature and compartmentalized into definable groups, disconnected physically and spiritually from the whole," Mangrum writes in his artist statement. "I work to reclaim these divisions by creating sand paintings, in organic shapes, interconnecting the fragments and acting as a catalyst for a synthesis, again." Check out this video to see him install a sand painting in a New York City park while people stop to admire his craftsmanship. Mangrum has also installed sand painting on the floors of the Doe Museum in Zuidlaren, Netherlands. The museum commissioned eight sand paintings this summer. Joe Mangrum / Facebook Although he is based in New York, Mangrum has traveled the world, beautifying sidewalks, museum floors, and other grounded surfaces. Continue below to see more time-lapse videos of these phenomenal works, along with photos of other works, and be sure to check out his website and follow him on Facebook for the latest updates. Joe Mangrum / Facebook Joe Mangrum / Facebook Joe Mangrum / Facebook